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Friday, 15 April 2016

Sports Therapy Students Gain Pitch Side Experience at Trophy Final

UCLan’s BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy course leader David Rhodes is
Head Sports Therapist at Chorley FC in Lancashire. Within his role he
has been able to offer placement opportunities to three UCLan sports
therapy students across all three years of the course. These students
were recently given the opportunity to run the pitch side element of the
Lancashire FA Trophy Final game, held at the home of Bolton Wanderers,
Macron Stadium. Nearly 1,500 people were in attendance on the night of
the final, which saw Chorley FC first team take the trophy in a match
against Lancaster City.
First year student, Paul Winstanley commented on the
experience: “I felt it was a great opportunity for me being a first year
student, as I didn't expect to get a chance like that until the second
or third year. Being able to take part in the final was a great chance
for me to put the skills I've learnt so far this year into practice in a
real-world environment. Being able to practice soft tissue massage,
stretching techniques and METs/PNFs, as well as getting a chance to put
my Therapist/Player communication to the test was great for me to see
how far I have come.”
Second year student, George Livingstone added: “I’ve been
with Chorley FC since early November and I am really getting an insight
into how my education and training fits into the sport working
environment. Working at the Lancashire Challenge Trophy final gave me
the chance to see what it was like working in such a highly regarded
stadium and has motivated me even more to be as successful as possible.
“The experience I’ve gained from placement has made me
realise that if I invest enough time into developing myself, I will be
rewarded. I’ve been offered paid opportunities and the responsibility of
taking control of game days when needed. At the Macron Stadium I spent
the majority of the time preparing the players by massaging, stretching
and taping when needed. I was also able to provide first aid cover at
the game. The chances I’ve got through placement have been invaluable
and I hope for even more like it.”
Callum Todd, who is in his third year of the sports therapy
course, commented: “During my placement with Chorley FC I have learned a
lot about how to deal with various injuries that I have not encountered
during class or clinic. I have also developed my injury assessment
skills and made them more specific and less regimental. I can now see
the difference between clinical treatment and real life treatment which
allows me to develop my skills in adjusting my treatments to suit my
environment.”

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UCLan Physiotherapy & Sports Therapy

Welcome to UCLan Physiotherapy and Sports Therapy (PaST). Our courses provide students with a modern approach to learning. Integrating a wide range of skills, experiences and opportunities helps to produce a well-rounded and qualified graduate therapist equipped to work in their chosen sector.